Frequently Asked Questions

What are bumble bees and why are you focusing on them?

Bumble bees are bees native to North America (unlike the European honey bee). There are nearly 50 species of bumble bees in North America, and usually recognizable by their large size, furry bodies, and black and yellow stripes. They are essential pollinators in wildlands and agriculture. Learn more at Bumble Bee Watch.

A recent study led by the IUCN Bumble Bee Specialist Group, supported by studies led by Dr. Sydney Cameron, and a status review by Dr. Robbin Thorp and the Xerces Society, demonstrate that several of North America's nearly fifty species of bumble bees are undergoing dramatic population declines. Two species, Franklin’s bumble bee (Bombus franklini) and the rusty-patched bumble bee (B. affinis), may already be on the brink of extinction. Other species in the west are also in trouble. The western bumble bee has declined dramatically - especially in the western portion of its range, and populations of species like Morrison’s bumble bee and the Suckley cuckoo bumble bee are in decline.

what is citizen science?

Citizen science is a collaboration between professional scientists and members of the general public involving the collection and analysis of data relating to the natural world. Citizen science provides tremendous value to professional scientists, while also engaging and enthusiasts in scientific subject matter.

why are you using citizen science?

Because Washington, Idaho, and Oregon are large and wild, professional scientists can only reach so many places. But, with your help we can recruit an army of trained volunteers armed with cameras and vials. Then, we can cover all three states quickly, collect scientific quality data, and contribute to the global understanding of bumble bee distributions.

how do i get involved?

At a very basic level you can submit observations of bumble bees to BumbleBeeWatch.org. You can share observations from your backyard, where you work, or on your travels around the region.

If you are interested in getting more involved you can officially adopt a grid celland participate in our more formal surveys. This takes a commitment to contribute to the project over the next couple of years. At a minimum you'll need to:

If all of this sounds great, and you're ready to do all of this AND become a project ambassador, contact us!

is this appropriate for families?

Yes! We think that most anyone can get involved! You need to decide what level of participation is right for your situation.

can schools and/or classrooms participate

Sure! We'd love to have the help of schools throughout the region. Teachers, or schools could adopt the grid in which their school resides, or surveys could take place on field trips. The only challenge is timing as most of the bumble bee life cycle takes place over the summer while most schools are on break. Early June or late August / early September would likely still work for survey times.

To be honest, you might, but the chances are pretty low. Bumble bees are docile creatures - especially when visiting flowers - and only sting when they feel threatened. You are most likely to get stung if you are trying to capture bumble bees into a vial either from a net, or directly from flowers. But even then, when done calmly and correctly your chances of getting stung are low. This is one of the reasons that we suggest you attend a training. At the training events you'll learn practical techniques and best practices. If you are allergic to bumble bee stings, or suspect that you may be, we recommend that you take necessary safety precautions to protect yourself and consult with a physician- your safety should come first.

DO I HAVE TO SURVEY THE ENTIRE GRID cell i adopt?

No, the grid cells are very large and varied and that would be too much to ask. The idea is that a volunteer would sample AT LEAST one location at two different times during the year - OR - at least two different location within the grid at the same time of year. Anything above and beyond that would be great, but is not​necessary.

We randomly selected grid cells based on ecoregions and historic bumble bee observations, so not everywhere is included in the Atlas. One way to help would be to adopt a grid cell away from where you live. We tend to get lots of information in areas that have high population density, but need more information from the remote parts of the region. Consider adopting a grid cell off the beaten path - explore a new part of the Pacific Northwest. If this is not possible for you (or even if it is), you can still submit Incidental Observations from anywhere - grid cell or no grid cell, adopted or not. Every observation counts! Thanks for your interest.

Project Partners

Supported with funding from:

About the Pacific Northwest Bumble Bee AtlasThe PNW Bumble Bee Atlas is a collaborative effort between the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, Oregon State University, and the Oregon Department of Agriculture to track and conserve the bumble bees of Oregon, Washington and Idaho.